TEAM JPM DRAGON-i COMMEMORATES RECENT MME PODIUM FINISH
2010-08-17 17:32:52 Author: admin Source:
Team JPM Dragon-i, under the leadership of automotive and motorsports enthusiast JP Chin, returned to podium honors at last weekend's Merdeka Millennium endurance (MME) 12-hour race at the Sepang International Circuit. The team's pilots TJ Chin, TP Chin and Jeffrey Wong drove the Porsche 911 (996) GT3 RS to a second place finish in the Sports Production Class.
In a special commemorative ceremony in Kuala Lumpur, team principal JP Chin (above right most) commented, "the return to podium was a huge relief for our team at the recent MME, more significantly to our trio of drivers; TJ, TP and Jeff. We must also extend our gratitude to our mechanics for the midnight toil over 12-hour non-stop racing and the successful execution of fast and effective pitstops that enabled our drivers and car to perform faultlessly till the end."
"We thank our sponsors; Dragon-i, Bolton, Silverlake, Forest One, CBS, Siegertech Engineering, Beaumount and Witlink Creative for their tremendous support throughout our MME campaign. We look forward to another exciting race next year and hopefully retain a podium position, or better yet, win the Sports Production series," he added.
JPM Dragon-i MME squad also happened to achieve the highest ranks as a domestic team in the Sports Production class. The team’s 271 total completed laps, holds a new team record of completed laps in 2010 MME, over the 268 laps completed during their 2003 podium finish. Experienced domestic racers TJ, TP and Wong were again in top form to power the 911 GT3 RS against more competitive machines to 2nd overall. Prior to the MME, the team sources revealed that their confirmation of participation and subsequent race preparations were carried out in only less than 2 weeks, and with the 2nd place gained, the result further added 'icing on the cake' for the entire team.
The team’s determination and unwavering passion overcame the many problems before and during race day. Problems such as brake and electrical systems difficulties prior to the race start, and not to mention, the major exhaust system leak in the middle stint of the race which caused a loss of engine power, and subsequently, losing a 4-hour lead. But, the team successfully conquered the disadvantages and turned in around by capitalizing on a strategy to minimize further drop in lap times and expedite the pace lap on lap. Nearing race conclusion, JPM Dragon-i's 911 GT3 RS seemed capable of completing the race through sheer strategy and great teamwork in the pits. As the chequered flag waved, the yellow and purple stripe Porsche crossed the line in second overall. It was relief all around the team's garage, especially for team principal JP Chin.
The team’s success comes with years of experience as they have been participating in the MME since its inception in the year 2000, of which they proved to be consistent finishers and podium contenders. In 2007, the introduction of the team’s new Porsche 911 GT3 RS promised much, but was plagued with numerous challenges, primarily due to technical issues and the 'luck' factor. However, the drivers who made up the team never failed to put in positive driving performances in each of their outings on track.
Team JPM Dragon-i looks toward building on its success in 2010 and is proud of being an organization that is fully Malaysian, including sponsors, which comes at the perfect time in support of the 1 Malaysia campaign. It hopes to address the lack of sponsorship for local racing teams, which takes into account that the motorsport and automotive industry plays a vital role in the country’s economic growth. A prime example of the call for sponsorship comes in the form of the team's current title partners Dragon-i, the connoisseurs of fine Shanghainese dining, who joined the team in time for the 2010 MME edition. Their support for the JPM Motorsport-owned team has been invaluable, as they have brought about the financial support as well as the “luck” to the team.
